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Thousands of people gathered at the Conference Center on Temple Square to pay their respects to President Russell M. Nelson, who led The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for more than seven years until his death on September 27, 2025.
The public viewing began at 9 a.m., with President Nelson’s body lying in repose in an open casket in the Hall of the Prophets on the Conference Center’s third floor. The hall features bronze busts of each of the Church’s presidents.
Attendees described the experience as meaningful. Alan Johnson, 24, said, “It felt very sacred being able to pay my respects to the prophet, a man that we look up to so highly. He was a really good example in life as a disciple of Jesus Christ. … Being a Native American, we always respect our elders. And he was an elder to us.”
Angela Brough, 41, who joined the Church in 2010, said, “[Being here today] was more special than I even imagined. It was powerful to say goodbye to such an impactful man. We love him.”
Some visitors extended their stay in Utah after general conference to attend the viewing. Liana Johnson, 27, from Washington, said, “I felt a little nervous, but also I felt more of the Spirit to know we are able to see the prophet in person up close again. He was a great prophet.”
Bryanna Corrall Corrales, 11, traveled with her family from Arizona. She said, “I felt his spirit was around, like he was watching all the people who came to see him. I love most that he was a very kind person and a messenger of God. To me, he was the voice of God. He taught us to be kind and love and support each other.”
President Nelson served as the 17th president of the Church. While previous viewings for Church presidents were held in the Church Administration Building, public viewings have taken place in the Conference Center since 2008.
President Nelson’s funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 12 p.m. MDT in the Conference Center. The event is open to the public for those aged 8 and older and requires tickets. Standby seating will be available outside the Tabernacle 90 minutes before the funeral.
The funeral will be broadcast live in multiple languages, including American Sign Language (ASL), Spanish, French, German, Mandarin, and others.
More information about President Russell M. Nelson’s official tributes and services can be found on the Church’s newsroom website.
